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Abstract This study aimed to determine the physical performance profile (ability to change direction, vertical and horizontal jump, sprint ability, and dribbling-specific skills) of the first women football players with cerebral palsy (CP) who participated in an international CP football competition, accounting for their sport classes. We also examined the relationships between the different physical performance variables. Forty-five female players with CP (24.9 ± 7.5 years) were categorised into three sport classes based on their impairment severity: 19 were FT1 (severe impairments); 21 FT2; and 5 FT3 (mild impairments). Various physical performance tests were conducted, including the 505 change of direction test; vertical and horizontal jumps; 10 m sprint test; and the dribbling speed test. Significant correlations were observed between the change of direction ability, sprint (r = 0.89; p

Objectives: The purpose of this study was 1) to determine and compare kinetic parameters during the realization of a countermovement jump (CMJ) between footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) and non-impaired footballers, and 2) to analyze the differences in this action between different players’ impairment profiles and a group of non-impaired footballers.Methods: This study involved 154 participants comprising 121 male footballers with CP from 11 national teams and 33 male non-impaired football players recruited as the control group (CG). The footballers with CP were described according to the different impairment profiles (bilateral spasticity = 10; athetosis or ataxia = 16; unilateral spasticity = 77; minimum impairment = 18). All participants performed three CMJs on a force platform to record kinetic parameters during the test.Results: The group of para-footballers presented significantly lower values than the CG in the jump height (p < 0.01, d = −1.28), peak power (p < 0.01, d = −0.84), and the net concentric impulse (p < 0.01, d = −0.86). Concerning the pairwise comparisons between CP profiles and the CG, significant differences were found for the bilateral spasticity, athetosis or ataxia, and unilateral spasticity subgroups compared to the non-impaired players for jump height (p < 0.01; d = −1.31 to −2.61), power output (p < 0.05; d = −0.77 to −1.66), and concentric impulse of the CMJ (p < 0.01; d = −0.86 to −1.97). When comparing the minimum impairment subgroup with the CG, only significant differences were found for jump height (p = 0.036; d = −0.82). Footballers with minimum impairment presented higher jumping height (p = 0.002; d = −1.32) and concentric impulse (p = 0.029; d = −1.08) compared to those with bilateral spasticity. Also, the unilateral spasticity subgroup reports a higher jump height performance than the bilateral group (p = 0.012; d = −1.12).Conclusion: These results suggest that the variables related to power production during the concentric phase of the jump are crucial for the performance differences between groups with and without impairment. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of kinetic variables that would differentiate CP and non-impaired footballers. However, more studies are necessary to clarify which parameters better differentiate among different profiles of CP. The findings could help to prescribe effective physical training programs and support the classifier’s decision-making for class allocation in this para-sport.

IntroductionThere is evidence in the literature that acute exercise can modify cognitive function after the effort. However, there is still some controversy concerning the most effective exercise modality to improve cognitive function in acute interventions. Regarding these different exercise modalities, the dose–response relationship between exercise intensity and cognitive response is one of the most challenging questions in exercise and cognition research.MethodsIn this study, we tested the impact of moderate-intensity (MICT), high-intensity (HIIT) exercise sessions, or control situation (CTRL) on cognitive inhibition (measured with the Stroop Test). Thirty-six young college students participated in this study, where a within-subject repeated measure design was used.ResultsANOVA 2×3 demonstrated that HIIT improved the acute cognitive response to a higher degree when compared to MICT or CTRL (p

In the last decade, several specific programmes and studies have been developed to support the access of young people with intellectual disabilities to higher education. These new programmes are designed to address this context of increased educational demand by providing an optimal curriculum that meets the needs of these students, guaranteeing the quality of the learning process, and their personal and professional development. The aim of this paper is to propose a subject based on the use of physical activity (i.e. Applied Physical Activity), as a part of the curriculum, to enhance the employability skills of these young people with intellectual disabilities.

Currently, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) is on the rise compared to moderate-intensity exercise (MIE) due to its similar benefits for health and performance with low time requirements. Recent studies show how physical exercise can also influence cognitive function, although the optimal dose and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, in our study, we have compared the effects on visuospatial and declarative memory of different exercise intensities (HIIE vs. MIE), including possible implicated factors such as lactate released after each session and the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) genotype. Thirty-six undergraduate students participated in this study. The HIIE session consisted of a 3 min warm-up, four 2 min sets at 90–95% of the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) with 2 min of passive recovery between sets, and a 3 min cooldown, and the MIE session implies the same total duration of continuous exercise at 60% of the MAS. Better improvements were found after HIIE than MIE on the backward condition of the visuospatial memory test (p = 0.014, ηp2 = 0.17) and the 48 h retention of the declarative memory test (p = 0.04; d = 0.34). No differences were observed in the forward condition of the visuospatial memory test and the 7-day retention of the declarative memory test (p > 0.05). Moreover, non-modifiable parameters such as biological sex and BDNF polymorphism (Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met) did not modulate the cognitive response to exercise. Curiously, the correlational analysis showed associations (p < 0.05) between changes in memory (visuospatial and declarative) and lactate release. In this sense, our results suggest an important role for intensity in improving cognitive function with exercise, regardless of genetic factors such as biological sex or BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.

This study aimed to create a new throwing test for assessing technical performance (accuracy) in boccia among female international players with cerebral palsy. Five international athletes (100% of a National Team) representing different functional classes participated. The test, conducted twice over two days, involved throwing 8 or 12 balls at five ground targets. Time to complete the test was recorded, along with average radial error (ARE) and constant errors (CE) in the X and Y axes for each throwing zone and the total test. Results indicated consistent performance between repetitions but decreased execution time. Reliability indicators showed acceptable consistency (ICC = 0.44 to 0.71; SEM = 1.23 to 3.19; MDC = 2.44 to 6.33). This novel test demonstrates validity and reliability for evaluating technical proficiency in boccia BC1, BC2, and BC3 classes, offering practical implications for coaches in designing training programs.

Physical exercise has emerged as a promising complementary intervention for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). This comprehensive review examines the neurobiological, psychological, and social benefits of exercise in improving quality of life (QOL), mental health, sleep quality, craving, physical fitness, and cognitive function among individuals with SUD. Aerobic exercises, particularly those of moderate intensity, demonstrate a consistent efficacy in reducing anxiety, depression, and cravings, while also enhancing cardiovascular health and psychosocial well-being. Strength training and concurrent programs provide additional benefits for muscular and cognitive function, although their effects on mental health are less consistent. Mind–body disciplines like yoga and Tai Chi offer accessible entry points for individuals with low baseline fitness but exhibit variable outcomes, especially in sleep and craving management. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows potential for craving reduction and cardiovascular improvements but may pose challenges for individuals with low initial fitness. This review underscores the importance of tailored, well-structured programs that align with participants’ needs and capabilities. Future research should prioritize standardizing protocols, incorporating technological tools, and exploring hybrid intervention models to maximize adherence and therapeutic impact. Physical exercise remains a vital, multifaceted tool in comprehensive SUD rehabilitation strategies.

Cerebral palsy (CP) football is undergoing a process of professionalisation which is improving the performance in this para-sport. This study aims to report the evolution of goal performance between the Seville 2019 and Salou 2022 IFCPF World Cups. Goals from eighty-eight matches over two consecutive IFCPF World Cups, in which the 16 best-ranked national teams took part, were analysed. The results revealed a decrease in the average of goals per match between championships (from 5.6 to 4.5 goals/match). Scored and received goals correlated to the teams’ final ranking position in both Seville 2019 and Salou 2022. The distribution of goals by halves and 15-minute periods, the probability of winning the match when a team scores first, the classification of goalkeepers and scoring players, and the type of goals (type of attack, the action leading to the goal, and the distance of the goal) in Salou 2022 in comparison to the Seville 2019 World Cup, a notable enhancement in the parity among the teams involved is discernible, alongside a rise in the competitive nature of CP football spanning across the aforementioned tournaments. This study also provides some practical applications to CP football coaches and practitioners as the importance to concede fewer goals rather than scoring more, the importance of scoring first, the importance of physical performance in the last minutes of the match, the importance of FT2 players as scorers rather than FT3 players or the most effective kind of attacks. Keywords: Para-sport, international, performance analysis, paralympic, soccer.

This study aimed to report the goal patterns in cerebral palsy (CP) football to improve the knowledge of performance in this para-sport. The goals scored during the 21 matches of the 2021/2022 season of the Spanish National League were analyzed. The results showed a total of 142 goals and an average of 6.8 goals per match. The Pearson’s correlation analysis showed moderate correlations between the scored goals by teams, the received goals and the final position in the classification (r = 0.71 to 0.81; p = 0.02 to 0.07). The distribution of the goals scored were not biased by halves (53.5% vs 46.5%; χ2 = 0.5; p = 0.50) nor by 15-min periods (31.0% vs 22.5% vs 26.8% vs 19.7%; χ2= 2.9; p= 0.40). In the 72.7% of the matches, the team which scored the first goal finally won the match (χ2 = 26.4; p < 0.01). FT3 players scored more goals by player (χ2 = 9.7; p = 0.05). The results from this study improve the knowledge of the performance in CP football and they could be interesting for coaches and CP football professionals to plan the game strategies.